Camp basics

Hi Silvia,

Have done this trip. If you are staying on the tarmac, you will be able to pick meat up as you go, no trouble. You won't need a camp oven if you have a bbq or water containers, this is readily available on the way. We have a plug in fridge and it is certainly worthwhile, but not absolutely necessary. You will be able to use an esky on this trip. Have fun!
Lynn

Hi Silvia,
This site has some good tips on what to take camping.
Drop me an email
gerron@bigpond.net.au
and I'll email a doco I put together on tips and a couple of recipes.
Gerry

G'Day,

I go camping regularly but live in a flat so storage space for gear is limited. At the moment I am also only in a mid size sedan so I have to be careful what I take.

Sounds like you have got the basics: Tent, BBQ, Water containers. I have bought a Weaco 40ltr fridge but only because I go regularly. It is a big investment if you don't get the use from it. An ice box should be OK for a once off trip as long as you ensure it is well insulated and you don't open it up too often. I bought one of the cartridge gas stoves for $40 and several cans of butane for $2 each. They have lasted a couple of trips for boiling coffee water and veges.

You'll need something to sleep on in the tent. I got a double airbed. A folding table or two is a essential. A comfy folding chair each is essential if you don't want a sore back from sitting on a log - about $50 bucks each buys good ones.

Then I got a couple of plastic tubs from Officeworks that just fit the boot of the car nicely. In one I put all the cooking gear, tea towels, dunny paper, cuos, plates, cutlery etc and in the other I put all the non-refrigerated food.

Got all that in the car. Off I go. The best way is just to walk through in your mind what you are likely to do and then note down anything you will need to do that task. EG: I will need to go for a leak at night, I will need to see where I am going so I will pack a torch!. The biggest one is cooking of course but if you approach it like this then you should not forget much.

Have a great time!

StevenLPlaydoe GXL TD Manual
It's on order, Delivery in April '04.
This pic will have to do till then. Can't wait!!!

I always pack a few packets of dried pasta, rice and noodle meals. The type were you just add water. If you ever get stuck for a few days, rain or vehicle breakdown, you have something quick and convenient with you. My kids love them, I tend to keep them just in case.
From experience make sure you've got the can opener in your camping supplies, mine always disappears or gets left behind.

Am i right in assuming you are leaving and returning from Perth. If so you can hire a fridge. They are really not that expexsive from Getaway Portable Hire.

wizzer

Silvia, try places like hire em holidays in Belmont/ Kewdale area .You can hire almost everything at very reasonable prices. I used them extensively until I built up my own equipment. There are 4 or 5 good camping hire places in the yellow pages.

Terryterryfied ? yep, lets do it again

Oh boy yes lol *makes note to pack can opener along with note about containers* I guess for the things I forget I can get them at shops along the way. Never knew you could hire this equipment and am ferreting the yellow pages directly, sounds ideal and thankyou for that =) Yes I am travelling from Perth up to Exmouth and then swinging in and down to Kalgoorlie and back to Perth.

I know I sound awful but I really am quite excited about my first camping trip honest!!!

One more question - how do you get a shower curtain to work for a shower if you are using one of those black baggy types? I couldn't care less but the other half is a bit, ahem, shy ;)

Thanks ever so much for your help so far *s*

Hi Silvia.

Wife & i have camped for many years most suggestions spot on but would suggest two burner gas stove & griddle iron istead of barbacue, billycan with spout, saucpan for vegies .No need for shower curtain if you camp in right places as i'm sure kangaroos & 'emus wouldn't be embarrased. If other people around wait till dark then look around in morning to see how many others did same you'd be surprised. Ps. stainles steel thermos for your cuppa's. maybe rubber mat to stand on

Cheers Darryl

Yes dont let modesty ruin your trip.. shower outdoors... after dark... I always do but then I,m thinking of of Vollunteering to pose for a Nude Vietnam Veteran's calendar. Seriously dont leave home without considering the romantic side of things either. The great Aussie outdoors can send even a German's testosterone thru the roof & if your not prepared... what a waste! Have a fantastic trip!!

Hi Silvia.
The rubber mat was to stand on so you don't take your red muddy feet to bed with you.Can also double as a car floor mat one with holes in it available from W.A .salvage around $6-7. Wer'e off to Rudall River NT.park with 3 other couples early june .All grey nomads.

Cheers & best of luck

Darryl